Chapter 3: Almost Lovers

But I didn’t need to worry about my excitement—because after I sent that message, there was no reply. Not until the next day.

I stared at my phone, willing it to buzz, but nothing. Just silence.

The blind date was set for 6 p.m.

Around three o’clock, I couldn’t help but send him a tentative message.

*Hey, you’re still good for six tonight, right?*

Half an hour later—

*Sorry, I have a meeting tonight. Can we reschedule?*

My heart dropped. I tried to play it cool, but disappointment gnawed at me.

I’d been looking forward to this meeting since yesterday… I drummed my fingers on the table.

*Okay.*

But as it neared six o’clock, Ethan messaged again.

*I just heard from my aunt—are you Maggie Sullivan?*

*Yeah.*

*The meeting was canceled last minute. I’ll be there at six.*

After getting home from work, I flopped onto the couch in a bad mood. When I saw Ethan’s message, I jumped up immediately. My heart flipped. I nearly tripped over the coffee table.

"Ah!!!"

It took me a long time to calm down before I replied. I paced the living room, trying to steady my hands. Breathe.

*Okay.*

There was still half an hour until six.

I washed my hair and did my makeup faster than I ever had in my life. Looking at myself in the mirror, I forced a smile, imagining how we’d meet.

"Hi, I’m Maggie Sullivan."

"Long time no see."

No… should I say long time no see? Does he still remember me? I’ve probably changed a lot…

By the time I finished getting ready, it was already two minutes past six. I hurried out and called a Lyft. My hands shook as I typed in the address. Deep breath.

After a moment’s hesitation, I sent Ethan a message.

*Sorry, I’ll be about ten minutes late.*

He replied before I could even put my phone down.

*I’ll wait for you.*

It was rush hour. What should’ve been a ten-minute ride took twenty because of traffic. By the time I arrived at the restaurant, it was almost six-thirty. The city’s golden hour faded behind skyscrapers as I rushed in.

I walked in, nerves buzzing. A hostess greeted me right away: "Hi, are you Miss Sullivan?"